Williams was nominated by CEO Burrell Ellis and will succeed Richard Stogner, who retires at the end of the year.

Williams is an experienced leader with more than 20 years of progressive leadership. He currently serves as the County Manager for Fulton County.

Prior to his tenure at Fulton County, Williams served as Assistant County Administrator in Broward County (FL) government, and Assistant City Manager in Coral Gables, FL.

“Zach’s confirmation is the result of a very thorough, deliberative and participatory process between our Administration and the Board of Commissioners. This is a new day in DeKalb, as we fulfill our mission of working together in the best interests of our citizens,” said Ellis.

DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner and Presiding Officer Larry Johnson said he and the commission are looking forward to working with Williams.

“Zach Williams has a track record of efficiency and effective government and we really appreciate that. He’s his own person and will give us an honest assessment on the issues. We are going to work together. We’ve come up with benchmarks. We’ve had talks with the CEO, the Chief of Staff and the personnel director. All of the commissioners have had the opportunity to talk with Zach and share where they want to see the county go,” Johnson said.

“We have an opportunity together to move DeKalb forward. For several years, DeKalb County, like all of the counties in the metro area, has struggled with fiscal issues in trying to manage more with less. I welcome the performance measures that have been discussed, and I welcome the challenge,” said Zach Williams. “I think we’re going to do great things together.”